Director of Flight Test and Operations

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!

We are looking for a Director of Flight Test and Operations to join our team. You will be part of the Generation 6 aircraft development program and will lead all flight test and flight operation activities across the Wisk company.

Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity. You will be required to work from our Hollister office.

Why we need you

The Flight Test & Operations team is in charge of all flight test and flight operation activities across the company and is responsible for maintaining and operating our fleet of test aircraft as well as for the creation and execution of the flight test plans. The ultimate purpose of the Flight Test is to ensure the safe collection of flight test data to support the verification activities of the Generation 6 aircraft development program.

What you will do:

• The Director of Flight Test and Operations (FTOP) holds responsibility and accountability for the collection of flight test data to support verification on the Gen 6 program. This includes providing instrumentation and flight test engineering support, as well as flight operations support such as aircraft management and maintenance,
• Additionally, FTOP oversees Chief Pilot activities related to R&D operations, surrogate aircraft operation, airborne chase, and proposed Part 135 Single Pilot operations,
• Administrative tracking of all company test pilot FAA qualifications and certifications is also within the purview of FTOP. These functions are carried out at our base of operation: KCVH Hollister, CA.
• Grow and mentor your team as we embark on the certification of an autonomous eVTOL aircraft
• Promote a strong safety culture and manage/understand risk in an aircraft certification environment.
• Participate in cross-disciplinary leadership/program-level decision-making
• Support requirements development from an operational and test perspective, feeding requirements into product development and systems engineering
• Develop and maintain processes to support company programs
• Manage competing priorities from multiple programs to achieve company goals
• Provide technical and managerial oversight for flight testing at all Wisk sites, setting developmental and certification test strategy, and execution approach
  
  

What you have done:

• 15+ years of experience in flight and/or systems integration and test, including leading test planning, execution, and reporting, both in developmental and certification environments
• Have engaged agencies relating to certification testing and means/methods of compliance.
• Prioritizing test activities to support development and company goals
• Experience testing and integrating complex flight control, power management, and avionics systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in resource-constrained environments
• Communicates effectively with company leadership, peers, your team, and external suppliers/authorities
• Experience leading a large, diverse team across multiple locations
• Demonstrated People Management skills
• Demonstrated strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• BS in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field
• Experience with manned and unmanned test programs
• Experience in certification test programs (civil or military)
  
  

Desired:

• MS or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field
• Technical expert in an aircraft development discipline in addition to flight/systems test
  
  

Who you are:

• You are a highly motivated, self-starting individual with a broad set of skills and never afraid of facing complex technical challenges
• You are a solution-oriented individual with a strong analytical mindset
• You have strong communication skills and can easily tailor your communications to suit the audience
• You can adapt quickly or propose changes needed to achieve early results in a timely fashion
• You embrace challenges and take commitments and deliver results within reasonable expectations
• You are a positive team player
  
  

$208,971 - $240,197 a year

Compensation and Benefits:

In addition to offering a great work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making electric autonomous flight a reality, at Wisk, we offer excellent total rewards which include a competitive base salary, annual bonus, long term incentive, 401K, health benefits and much more.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay Range the Company expects to pay:$208,971 - $240,197 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We consider every candidate who shares our passion for making the impossible possible, even if they may not strictly meet all preferred requirements. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.

Wisk HQ located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, alternative work schedule (9/80), flexible time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, fruit, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, happy hours and much more.

To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.